Cruise & Cruise Line

American Cruise Line’s First “Coastal Cat” Passes Sea Trials

Image: American Cruise Lines' new Coastal Cat. (Photo Credit: American Cruise Lines)
Image: American Cruise Lines' new Coastal Cat. (Photo Credit: American Cruise Lines)
Theresa Norton
by Theresa Norton
Last updated: 10:25 AM ET, Tue August 1, 2023

American Cruise Lines’ first 100-passenger “Coastal Cat,” American Eagle, has passed sea trials. The small-ship line accepted delivery from Chesapeake Shipbuilding as scheduled. 

American Eagle is the first of 12 new Coastal Cats in the plans. The next four ships are already under construction for delivery over the next year. The new boat is the first in its class and the namesake of American Cruise Lines’ first vessel in 1972. 

American Eagle is on its way to Massachusetts, where it will embark on its first passenger cruise. The new ship will operate U.S. itineraries along the East Coast, blending river cruising with the adventure of expedition cruising. American Eagle’s first cruise is scheduled to depart Aug. 14 on an eight-day “Cape Codder” itinerary round-trip from Boston.

“American Eagle embodies our continued commitment to building new small ships to explore America’s rivers and coasts,” said Charles B. Robertson, president and CEO of American Cruise Lines. “It is the flagship in American Cruise Lines’ new series of small Coastal Cats, which are unlike anything else available in the U.S. market. American Eagle and her sister ships will change the landscape of possibilities for small-ship adventures around the U.S.A.” 

Introduced just a few months after American Serenade, the company’s sixth new modern riverboat, American’s fleet has continued to expand. The company plans to introduce the second new Coastal Cat, American Glory, in November 2023.  

American Eagle features four decks and showcases a new catamaran bow. The new Coastal Cat offers private balcony accommodations, including single- and double-occupancy staterooms as well as suites. American Eagle also offers a top deck, lounges inside and out, a main restaurant, casual café, and fitness center.

A virtual 360-degree tour of American Eagle is available by clicking here. 


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Discover Europe: Passport to What’s NextThursday, October 8, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse as we Discover Europe, your passport to what’s...
Upcoming Webinar
Designed Together. Beyond Expectations. Discover Luxury Japan with BOUTIQUE JTBOctober 9, 2026Japan continues to captivate discerning travelers seeking authentic culture, extraordinary cuisine,...
Upcoming Webinar
New B2B Booking Platform for Travel AdvisorsWednesday, October 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Japan Airlines Vacations, the official vacation program of Japan Airlines, is launching a dedicated...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Europe: Passport to What’s NextThursday, October 8, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse as we Discover Europe, your passport to what’s...
Upcoming Webinar
Designed Together. Beyond Expectations. Discover Luxury Japan with BOUTIQUE JTBOctober 9, 2026Japan continues to captivate discerning travelers seeking authentic culture, extraordinary cuisine,...
Upcoming Webinar
New B2B Booking Platform for Travel AdvisorsWednesday, October 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Japan Airlines Vacations, the official vacation program of Japan Airlines, is launching a dedicated...